The second day of Mistral (north west winds) and the promise of strong lift on the north westerly ridges, thermals, wave and crystal clear visibility had us braving the winch launch and rotor in the valley of La Motte du Caire and heading for Montagne de Gache. Rowan flew in the K21 with Christian, the CFI and explored the Jabron valley and Montagne de Lure, the local hot spot for climbing into the wave. After testing the Montagne de Pelegrine they climbed up and headed east to the Parcour and from there north to Dormilouse, across Lac Serre Poncon arriving on Montagne de Guillaume very low and but with the surface of the lake there indicating a SW valley breeze the Guillaume obliged with a good climb and an excellent view of the local landing field there next to the lake, called le Crotts.
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| Lac de Serre Poncon |
The North wind was not making life easy so they returned to the Parcour for a climb before heading west via Blayeul for the last essential climb to get home, routing along the tops of the ridges that work so well in the SW valley breeze but are vicious if visited in a mistral!
Meanwhile JB was enjoying himself in the wave in the Jabron valley but failing to pluck up enough courage to work along the ridges to Mt Ventoux which looked very hazy in the stable air of the Rhone valley. Then Matt arrived after launching much later and said Dude - Mt Ventoux - the wind is 355 / 20 kts lets go! So JB headed off to the west from the comfort of 2800 metres while Matt set off at 2100 - ridge top height! The ridge was working (mostly) except for 'Monts Higgle de Piggledy' between the Lure and Mt Ventoux! As promised Mt Ventoux was working well and JB was elated at passing another milestone, Mt Ventoux solo. Thanks Matt!! After a bit of time enjoying the view and getting some 'footage' it was time to return along the ridges to the east end of the Lure before heading back to Sisteron.
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| Monte Vantoux |
Then loosing some height we tested the Beaume just for the thrill of experiencing the epic lift as we returned to the Gache. The view up at the Gache from 900m at the Cittidel at Sisteron looks impressive, but we were above the top of the Gache by the time we reached it! Time for home, JB flew from 1000m at the Cittadel to La Motte without circling and arrived at 1570m despite the 18kt headwind and Matt went to see the horses (and... eagle!) on Jouere before coming down to a fantastic supper prepared by Martin Reece Jones, brother of David who glides at Parham and is here for two months - this is the life!
JB
